I am still unable to understand why Private Finance Initiatives (PFI) (LET, April 19) are better than obtaining Government loans, apart from muddying the records of public expenditure.

PFI, like hire purchase, means you pay more for what you buy. Anyone obtaining contracts for work should be able to ensure that the work is completed to a satisfactory standard and without increases in cost if they word the contract carefully.

I have yet to be convinced that PFI is other than a "smoke and mirrors" to hide spending.

BRIAN TODD, Heys Lane, Blackburn.